MainStream Media Ent., Inc. | Premiere film, television and video production company

MainStream Media Ent. is a comprehensive film, television and video production company integrating culturally diverse content into digital experiences for all consumer global markets. We focus on three primary areas; entertainment, corporate and education.
We specialize in consulting for productions at every stage: development, preproduction, casting, production, postproduction.
Wed also develop and produce content and programming for all audiences and can assist with distribution and creative financing.

Who We Are

We Are Mainstream

MainStream Media

We are a comprehensive production company

passionately transforming “American Latino”

experiences into culturally rich Film & Television content.

A Word From Our CEO/FOUNDER

The premise behind Mainstream Media Ent., Inc. is that “we” as Latinos are all part of the Mainstream, therefore our“American Latino” voice must truly reflect our lives as we have lived it in the United States. It should not continue to perpetuate a forced stigma or stereotype that mysteriously puts a blanket over twenty six Latin American countries, a major faux pa, from our perspective.

I ask, why not a celebration instead? I do not accept the dealt out cookie cutter, stereotypical, boring, hum drum, force-fed perceptions, I choose to disrupt it all!

“With the glass half full, I have always looked tothe future with hope, as an opportunity to transform the world.”

Mainstream Media Ent., Inc. was founded by Zandra Rivera,inspired and nurtured out of disappointments and frustrations within the entertainment & marketing industries.It was born to create transformative “American Latino” and multicultural entertainment for global audiences.

Our mission is to inspire and engage with others by sharing our passion.In doing so, we remember that it is by experiencing life’s trials and tribulations that we find the courage and strength to persevere against all odds, leading us to triumph amidst these challenges.The fearlessness to share our stories, allows us to witness outside of ourselves, that they all make up the very essence of our collective human spirit.

Bill Duke asked me a couple of years ago, “How did you start your career?”

“At 4 years old,” I responded, “my playmate was a regular on Sesame Street,” this experience planted an indelible seed, that marked my future.

I am first generation Latina, of Puerto Rican American heritage.I’ve had the honor and privilege of living in the United States, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. I’ve experienced third world poverty and first hand suffering as a child.I’ve also lived a very privileged lifestyle. The polarization of having lived these two experiences, has led me to balanced humility.I’ve been blessed, due to my parents hard work, to have lived in robust environments, with an exceptional education that has allowed me to see opportunities amidst the difficulties.

I discovered the marketing boxes and trends we were shoved into, while owning “Hispanica,” a marketing agency, that allowed an inside lookat major corporate methodologies that seek to confine us rather than liberating us to our greatest potential.

This painstaking realization was solidified, when as a professional actor, I myself was continuously put in a box on so many levels by everyone, including Latinos.I was too dark, too curvy, my hair was too curly, I was only offered roles for the sexy Latina, the gangbanger, the slut, whore, etc. I could not play the “Mother” because I did not look like a mother, despite being a mother of two beautiful children!I was also told I did not look Latina enough, I did not look black, they could not categorize me therefore I was “not” marketable.

Despite these stereotypes, with sheer determination, talent and some support, I performed on the stages of the Steppenwolf, Goodman and many others, despite being told otherwise.I had the opportunity of working with Second City and was able to work commercially, on billboards, television and film, globally.

I now embrace ALL aspects of me and others because I’ve shed these labels.I do not embrace the word minority, I do not embrace “Afro-Latina,” as these are mere constructs and ways that cause separation.I’ve learned to understand that peoples hatred is their own ignorance.

Documenting our stories written by us for us, reflect the true “American Latino” landscape and will help to educate others of who we are.

By engaging honestly with our audience and from a place they can identify with, we have viewers for life.

The global success of Marvels “Black Panther” and Disney’s “Coco” are just the tip of the iceberg and true examples that unity and celebration of our diversity is the way of the future.

We are heading into a new era!

I challenge you to have the courage to join us and together let us disrupt what is and let us imagine and re-create a new opportunity of how we engage with the world now and into the future!

I hope you enjoy our works for years to come and join us with your support in our celebrating the human spirit!

– Zandra Rivera, CEO

Production & Development Team

Zandra Rivera

CEO & Founder

Zandra Rivera is an experienced executive and business developer for the entertainment industry within the United States and diverse global markets. A fierce Renaissance woman, Rivera merges her passion with an inventive approach to producing digital media, television, and film. Her comprehensive management style, from conceptualization and marketing to producing and directing, inspires her teams to utilize their own creative brilliance.

She is motivated by the diverse multi-cultural global markets which are reflected in the U.S. landscape. She is fluently bilingual in English and Spanish. Zandra has worked as a professional SAG/AFTRA actor in feature films, television, (Sabores, The Blexicans, Chicago Boricua). commercials and radio (Allstate, McDonald’s, Ford, Harris Bank, Radio Shack, Western Union, Miller-Coors). In addition she has work extensively within the Chicago theater community (Steppenwolf Theater, Goodman Theater, Second City).

Rivera is an entrepreneur at heart, synthesizing her deep creative talent and exceptionally disciplined work ethic into a winning combination. She has served on several boards and supported various community endeavors. Zandra Rivera’s commitment is to provide exceptional original film and television for global audiences.

Jeff Rubin

President of Production

Disney, FOX, IFC, HBO, ABC and so on. With over 25 years of producing, directing, motion graphics design, animation, and video editing experience, Jeff has a solid foundation in communicating stories visually as well as being an accomplished writer. He is tech savvy with a creative yet logical mind and has worked extensively on a diverse range of projects including children’s programming, science fiction series, corporate video, and live music events. Jeff has experience creating both narrative features and documentaries as well as promos, trailers, and presentations. Jeff’s background also includes video game design and Web/mobile development. His unique mix of technical knowledge and film & video production are balanced by his fine art background: drawing, painting, and sculpture. His lifelong passion for film and television enables him to shape and enhance a project to facilitate great success. Jeff brings his unique vision and insurmountable talent to the table. His passion for film-making compels Jeff to continue to write and develop new concepts, his mind is an endless fountain of ideas and dreams, ready to translate into film and series for others to experience.

Tim Sullivan

Vice President of Business Development

Tim has 15 years of expertise in business development and business to business sales, building relationships, and sustaining long term accounts. He has worked in a variety of industries handling high-profile accounts. Tim is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, cultivating C-level relationships, and spear-heading effective sales and market penetration strategies. He leverages his expertise and insight to implement progressive and strategic business development solutions. Tim excels at skillfully managing programs, projects, and technical services to sustain revenue growth. His dedication to driving business development along with his proven talents in team leadership and operational management allow him to significantly benefit the ongoing growth of MSMei.